you don't replace them until they go bad. They may not. You can look for low mileage, but out of warranty is out of warranty. It is not a certain fact that the gaskets will go, but it is common. People get these things thinking they are neat, but if you do not maintain them like they are supposed to be, they break, and they cost money. I have had my 97 for 5 years and have done a lot of repairs to it, but all myself and mostly becasue I like the truck. they are easy to work on, but not if you are not mechanical. I am the McGuyver type.

If you find one with the gaskets done, great. If not, use that fact to lower the price. Most owners are getting rid of them because something is wrong, or something is about to go wrong and they can't afford to fix it. Just prepare to fix something and you will be ok.

 

http://ventura.craigslist.org/cto/1519454500.html
Ok, so this is the car I mentioned yesterday...when I asked why he's selling, the owner says that his wife wants a more eco-friendly vehicle.

He's asking $11,995...I don't want to have to pay that much. Some folks are saying to look for 10k and under, but I think someone else said to expect to pay about 12k, I think especially here in So. Cal...what have you all found to be good negotiating tactics?

 

Hi guys...just came across this vehicle and would like some feedback...it looks promising...what should I ask the owner? The other thing is, it's in Nocal, and I'm in Socal...black exterior, tan interior with black piping...looks clean...below is the description from the owner...asking $11500, but read what he's willing to do with the price/tires...

Beautiful 2004 Land Rover Discovery SE7. Engine runs strong, and the 4 speed ZF transmission shifts smoothly. Odometer showing 100,7XX miles. All maintenance up to date. A Central Differential Lock is installed, so its ready for almost any off roading you might like to do.

This Discovery seats 7 with the use of the 2 fold out jump seats in the rear cargo area, a self folding step is located under the rear bumper to aid access to these rear seats.

Rear Air option was installed from the factory, so in summer, lovely cold air is distributed to the 5 rear seats through vents in the ceiling.

You'll notice a Land Rover Roof Rack installed as is the big black Genuine Land Rover Brush Guard on Front.

This Discovery has the full Cold Climate package, comprising heated front seats, heated windshield, heated rear glass, and heated side mirrors. All work perfectly. The climate control also works perfectly, as do all accessories. There is a wonderful 6 Disc CD player, and the 2 rear most seats have headset jacks, and remote controls, so the passengers back there can plug in their headphones and control their own choice of music from the radio, tape, or cd.

The stock wheels have been upgraded to the 20" Land Rover Rims found on many Range Rover Sport, and the tires are Vredestein Ultrac SUV Sessanta, made in the Netherlands - fantastic (expensive!) tires, with about 60% tread remaining. Wheel alignment, and Wheel balance completed a few months ago. If you're on a budget, I'd be happy to replace the original factory 18" wheels, (also with new tires) and reduce the price.

I have lots of photos of the car, and would be happy to forward a link to them to you - just ask!

I'm located in Sonoma, have the Title in hand, and would welcome you to come take a look, take a drive, and fall in love with this wonderful SUV

 

Hi again guys!!! Please help me on this...time is of essence....here's the email response I got from the owner...

The head gaskets were replaced as well as the upper and lower manifold gaskets, and valve cover gaskets just before I bought the car (about 10,000 miles ago). I don't have a current link to the carfax (it expired yesterday), but the vin is: XXXXXXXXXXX. I've owned the car about 6 months (it was my third Land Rover - 2 range rovers before that), and I've decided that I'd like to have a new Range Rover, hence the sale of this. I love the car, and you'll see its in great shape. I'm happy to work with you in whatever your needs are in so far as being in So.Cal. Just let me know what you need.

I have replaced the factory ignition wires with 8mm Magnecor wires, and the Ignition Coil was replaced. I changed oil every 300 miles religiously, and all fluids in diffs, transfer case and transmission were all changed recently.


what questions should I ask??? I would have to drive up the state or fly there or take the train....

 

Here's the carfax on the vehicle...I don't see where the head gaskets were replaced???

Owner 1 Purchased:2003Type:Rental Where:California Est. miles/year:---Est. length owned:12/23/03 - 11/30/04
(11 months) Date:Mileage:Source:Comments:12/23/2003 10 California
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Los Angeles, CA Title issued or updated
First owner reported
Registered as
rental vehicle
(major car rental company)
Loan or lien reported 10/18/2004 16,730 California
Inspection Station Failed emissions inspection 10/22/2004 16,762 California
Inspection Station Passed emissions inspection 10/26/2004 Jaguar of Marin
Corte Madera, CA
415-460-4600
www.marinluxurycars.com
ww.marinluxurycars.
com Washed/detailed 11/30/2004 17,722 Service Plan Co.
San Rafael, CA Service contract issued
Owner 2 Purchased:2004Type:Personal Where:California Est. miles/year:---Est. length owned:11/30/04 - 3/30/05
(4 months) Date:Mileage:Source:Comments:11/30/2004 California
Motor Vehicle Dept.
San Rafael, CA Title issued or updated
New owner reported
Loan or lien reported 12/30/2004 Jaguar of Marin
Corte Madera, CA
415-460-4600
www.marinluxurycars.com
ww.marinluxurycars.
com Washed/detailed
ABS system checked 03/30/2005 23,685 Dealer Inventory Vehicle offered for sale 04/05/2005 Dealer Inventory Vehicle offered for sale 04/11/2005 Jaguar of Marin
Corte Madera, CA
415-460-4600
www.marinluxurycars.com
ww.marinluxurycars.
com Window regulator replaced
Door window checked
ABS system checked
Valve cover gasket replaced
Oil pan gasket replaced
Brakes checked
Owner 3 Purchased:2005Type:Personal Where:California Est. miles/year:16,790/yrEst. length owned:5/1/05 - 7/24/09
(4 yrs. 2 mo.) Date:Mileage:Source:Comments:05/01/2005 23,803 California
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Belvedere Tiburon, CA Title issued or updated
New owner reported
Loan or lien reported 05/04/2005 Jaguar of Marin
Corte Madera, CA
415-460-4600
www.marinluxurycars.com
ww.marinluxurycars.
com Washed/detailed 05/05/2005 28,803 Service Plan Co.
Belvedere Tiburon, CA Service contract issued 12/30/2005 Jaguar of Marin
Corte Madera, CA
415-460-4600
www.marinluxurycars.com
ww.marinluxurycars.
com Valve cover gasket replaced 05/10/2006 Jaguar of Marin
Corte Madera, CA
415-460-4600
www.marinluxurycars.com
ww.marinluxurycars.
com Vehicle serviced 07/03/2006 Jaguar of Marin
Corte Madera, CA
415-460-4600
www.marinluxurycars.com
ww.marinluxurycars.
com Window regulator replaced
Washed/detailed 09/22/2006 Jaguar of Marin
Corte Madera, CA
415-460-4600
www.marinluxurycars.com
ww.marinluxurycars.
com Tires replaced 04/06/2007 Jaguar of Marin
Corte Madera, CA
415-460-4600
www.marinluxurycars.com
ww.marinluxurycars.
com Engine/powertrain computer/module checked
Cooling system checked
Manufacturer's recommended maintenance performed 07/10/2007 57,998 Jaguar of Marin
Corte Madera, CA
415-460-4600
www.marinluxurycars.com
ww.marinluxurycars.
com Service contract claim
Fuel system serviced
Engine serviced
Engine oil leak checked
Engine/powertrain computer/module checked 09/20/2007 Jaguar of Marin
Corte Madera, CA
415-460-4600
www.marinluxurycars.com
ww.marinluxurycars.
com Vehicle serviced 01/14/2008 Jaguar of Marin
Corte Madera, CA
415-460-4600
www.marinluxurycars.com
ww.marinluxurycars.
com Washed/detailed
Valve cover gasket replaced
Oil and filter changed chassis lubricated
Maintenance inspection completed 04/15/2008 Jaguar of Marin
Corte Madera, CA
415-460-4600
www.marinluxurycars.com
ww.marinluxurycars.
com Manufacturer's recommended maintenance performed
Engine oil leak checked 08/02/2008 80,004 Jaguar of Marin
Corte Madera, CA
415-460-4600
www.marinluxurycars.com
ww.marinluxurycars.
com Tires replaced
Maintenance inspection completed 09/23/2008 82,411 Jaguar of Marin
Corte Madera, CA
415-460-4600
www.marinluxurycars.com
ww.marinluxurycars.
com Oil and filter changed chassis lubricated
Engine/powertrain computer/module checked 11/19/2008 85,762 Jaguar of Marin
Corte Madera, CA
415-460-4600
www.marinluxurycars.com
ww.marinluxurycars.
com Vehicle serviced 12/30/2008 87,608 Jaguar of Marin
Corte Madera, CA
415-460-4600
www.marinluxurycars.com
ww.marinluxurycars.
com Transfer case fluid changed
Battery serviced
Rear differential fluid flushed/changed
Air filter replaced
Front differential fluid flushed/changed
Oil and filter changed chassis lubricated
Body lubricated
Brakes checked
Fuel system cleaned/serviced
Automatic transmission fluid and filter changed
Steering/suspension checked
Tire condition and pressure checked
Cooling system checked
Wipers checked
Rear wiper blade replaced
Fuel system checked
Engine/powertrain computer/module checked
Seatbelts checked
Drive belts replaced
Washed/detailed
Power steering fluid flushed/changed
Antifreeze/coolant flushed/changed
Power steering checked
Maintenance inspection completed
Door window checked 02/10/2009 89,203 Jaguar of Marin
Corte Madera, CA
415-460-4600
www.marinluxurycars.com
ww.marinluxurycars.
com Engine oil leak checked 03/26/2009 91,282 Jaguar of Marin
Corte Madera, CA
415-460-4600
www.marinluxurycars.com
ww.marinluxurycars.
com Steering/suspension checked
Washed/detailed
Maintenance inspection completed
Engine checked 05/19/2009 93,508 Jaguar of Marin
Corte Madera, CA
415-460-4600
www.marinluxurycars.com
ww.marinluxurycars.
com Engine checked
Oil and filter changed chassis lubricated 06/04/2009 California
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Belvedere Tiburon, CA Title issued or updated
Loan or lien reported 06/05/2009 93,515 California
Inspection Station
Belvedere Tiburon, CA Passed emissions inspection 06/11/2009 93,561 California
Inspection Station
Belvedere Tiburon, CA Passed emissions inspection
Owner 4 Purchased:2009Type:Personal Where:California Est. miles/year:---Est. length owned:7/24/09 - present
(5 months) Date:Mileage:Source:Comments:07/24/2009 93,650 California
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Sonoma, CA Odometer reading reported 09/10/2009 California
Motor Vehicle Dept.
Sonoma, CA Title issued or updated
New owner reported SmartBuyer Checklist - I've created a checklist of specific questions for you to ask the seller about this 2004 Land Rover Discovery II SE.

 

Hi all,

here's a quick updates on the 3 vehicles I posted here so far for review...the first one is SOLD, for $12,300.

The other two are still available. Please look over and give me your opinions...thanks

 

id call the Jaguar dealer with the VIN and ask them about the HG.

 

Folks, I need some help with negotiation and inspection tactics. There are about 3 vehicles I'm currently researching / focusing on and I'd like to know what the next steps should be.

What is a good price for a good 04 Discovery 7 seater? under $11k? Also, if I see a potential one, do I request an inspection from a stealership or indy rover mechanic? Running carfaxes is gonna start getting expensive, etc....

 

well first off you can always get an unlimited pass for a month carfax its like $40 instead of $30 for one.

You should have a mechanic look it over since you are not familiar. If you can find an Indie rover mechanic near you that would be best, if not befriend someone at the dealer and see if you can get them to come in their off time and pay em in cash.

I would pay $11k for an 04 disco if it A) was low mileage or B) had higher miles but head gaskets done. I wouldn't pay $11k for an 04 with 70,000 miles and no work done to it.

 

Frustrating! The 04 se7 with trail package is SOLD...

Hilltopper: I think carfax ended that pricing structure already because I had it last month and went to re-up the subscription and it's no longer available.